Is the use of headless compression screws appropriate in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis?

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate whether the use of headless compression screws is appropriate in arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis.

Patients and methods: Twenty-two feet of 22 patients (12 males, 10 females; mean age 43.7 years; range 21 to 63 years) in whom we applied arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis were examined retrospectively. Mean follow-up duration was 59.3 months (range 36 to 92 months). Coronal and sagittal plane alignment and concomitant pathologies were evaluated on patients' radiographs. Assessments related to pain and functionality were performed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring.

Results: Radiographic union was achieved in 21 of the total 22 ankles (95.4%). Mean time to union was 10.3±3.5 weeks (range 6.6 to 13.8 weeks). Mean AOFAS pain score increased from 8.1±10.2 to 35.0±6.3 and functional score increased from 21.3±5.5 to 43.4±3.8 (p<0.001). On coronal plane, preoperative tibiotalar angle of 6.6±5.5° decreased to 2.3±2.1° postoperatively. On sagittal plane, while preoperative tibiotalar angle was 17±4.9°, it was 17±4.5° postoperatively. One patient had subtalar pain and one patient had nonunion postoperatively.

Conclusion: The use of headless compression screws is an appropriate choice in the ankle area owing to their advantages of providing successful fixation whilst not causing screw head irritation or pain.